By Anna Thompson

Gillings (centre) in action in a boarder cross race in Japan

Britain's top snowboarders have enjoyed one of their most successful seasons on the world stage.

But the alpine skiers have endured a frustrating year, according to Snowsport GB chief Mark Simmers.

Snowboard cross star Zoe Gillings finished the season ranked seventh in the world after consistent World Cup performances, including a second place.

Simmers said: "If the Olympic Games were held tomorrow, Zoe would be one of five or six vying for the gold medal."

Half-pipe riders Lesley McKenna and Dan Wakeham can also boast top-10 World Cup results this season, while Dom Harington won the highly competitive second-tier Europa Cup title - becoming the first Briton to do so.

There ought to be no excuses now - we all know Chemmy has got the potential Mark Simmers

But skier Chemmy Alcott has failed to live up to her pre-season promise, with an erratic display in races.

And downhiller Finlay Mickel and slalom specialist Noel Baxter's seasons were ended early because of serious injuries.

Simmers told BBC Sport: "Chemmy has skied really well in patches but she has not really had a good consistent season in terms of results."

Alcott was aiming to break into the world's top 10 and had enlisted the help of a huge support team and been assigned to Monaco Ski Federation coach Gerhard Greber.

But it has not worked out and her programme will return to the full control of Snowsport GB from next season.

Alcott in action in a downhill race in Switzerland

"There ought to be no excuses now. We all know Chemmy has got the potential, it's just a question of putting the right programme in place to allow her to do that," said Simmers.

Veteran slalom skier Alain Baxter, 34, also had a tough season as he battled to try to finish in the top 30 in a World Cup race and he will now take time out to mull over his future.

Simmers added: "Alain is probably going to take some time over the next couple of months to think about it.

"The desire is still there and in training he is still our fastest slalom skier, it's not quite happening on the hill."

But Simmers was buoyed by the consistent performances of the snowboarding team, despite the loss of coach Craig Smith in January.

"Zoe's had a fantastic season. As a person she has really stepped up a level and is high on confidence," said Simmers.

"And Lesley has had a really good comeback. It's the first season she has been fully fit for two or three years.

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"She has proved she can still compete at the top level. The fourth place at the Bardonecchia World Cup was an excellent result."

Simmers believes British snowboarding and skiing is in decent shape and there have been internal changes within Snowsport GB to help athletes achieve better results and cut down on injuries in the future.

"With a fair wind and fewer injuries I think 2009 can be really good on the alpine side," he stated.

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